FIFA 11 brings personality to the franchise

We have been extremely impressed with the last two FIFA games, FIFA 10 and FIFA World Cup 2010, which have overtaken the Pro Evolution Soccer games in our affections for both style and substance. And it doesn't seem that Electronic Arts is going to let up on the tweaks and improvements that make each iteration that bit better than the last: This year's major new, flag-waving feature has been revealed to be Personality+.

The cunningly titled FIFA 11 (how do they keep coming up with them? We reckon they must have an entire naming department) adopts a new system that adds individual abilities and authenticity to the in-game players. An in-built database evaluates and grades each player’s skill-set over 36 attributes and 57 traits, in order to distinguish individual footballers from one another.

Kaka, for example, will deliver crisp, creative passes. Andres Iniesta will use his close control abilities to dribble through defences. And Wayne Rooney will swear like a docker at the referee until he's sent off. Possibly.

The graphics engine has also been tarted up, with new player models and body types making the in-game stars look even more like their real world counterparts. And even goalkeepers have been injected with Personality+ in order to have them act in more realistic manner.

Pro Passing is another new feature for FIFA 11 and is determined by a gamer’s ability on the control pad, combined with skill, situation and urgency on the pitch to make a more rewarding passing system. Over- or under-striking the ball can force errors. And new passes will be available, including the ability to add swerve.

The game will be available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, DS, Wii, PSP and, bemusingly, PlayStation 2 (surely the last one), and it'll be out in "Fall 2010". However, as most editions in the franchise have hit stores around the beginning of October, you can bet your bottom dollar that this one will follow suit.

And, although its not been announced yet, if there's not an iPhone version on the way too, we eat YOUR hats.

Our senior ed of news and features has been a tech and games journalist for more than 27 years, and has been with Pocket-lint for over five. Rik has edited a number of videogame magazines in the past, was deputy editor of Home Cinema Choice, and his TV career included stints as co-presenter of Channel 4's Gamesmaster and Sky One’s Games World.